NCJ Number
149853
Date Published
1994
Length
15 pages
Annotation
A case involving the murder of a black female is presented that reviews each stage in the criminal justice process, from initial police investigation through arrest, trial, imprisonment, parole, and release.
Abstract
In responding to a report of gunshots, the ranking police officer at the scene determined there was probable cause to enter the house. Police officers found evidence of an argument, and further search led them to believe that the victim's estranged husband was the prime suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for the husband who was later picked up at his apartment. The husband was booked, fingerprinted, incarcerated, and assigned a public defender. A grand jury considering the case determined there was sufficient evidence for an indictment, and the husband was later brought back to court for arraignment. The husband's version of the shooting claimed that he struggled with his estranged wife and that the gun went off accidentally. His public defender, however, was skeptical due to previous domestic violence complaints. The husband rejected a plea bargain and instead opted for a jury trial. The jury found the husband guilty of second degree murder instead of the first-degree murder charge brought by the prosecutor. He was sentenced to State prison for 7.5 years, with a parole ineligibility period of 2.5 years, and was given credit for the time he already served awaiting trial. He was paroled after serving almost 3 years; after 2.5 years under parole officer control, he was released completely. 1 note